Xu Yuehuai stood quietly in the makeshift kitchen, the ingredients before her dazzling array, like a vibrant painting. A perfect culinary blueprint had already been sketched in her mind, as if everything was under her control.
She knows that to cook a dish that truly interprets the theme of "the cycle of the four seasons", one needs not only superb culinary skills, but also a profound understanding and appreciation of the changing seasons.
What ingredients should we use?
Why not show everyone the real four seasons instead!
She gently sorted the ingredients in her hands one by one: tender bamboo shoots in spring, elegant lotus flowers in summer, abundant fruits in autumn, and emerald green cabbage in winter... Each ingredient seemed to be a gift from nature, carrying the unique charm of its respective season.
Fortunately, she had someone build a cellar beforehand to preserve the unique fruits and vegetables of each season, which is why these ingredients look so fresh today.
Her fingertips gently caressed the ingredients, as if listening to them tell the stories of the four seasons and feeling the changes of the seasons they carried.
Let's begin now! We absolutely cannot let Great Zhou lose! This is the face of all the people of Great Zhou!
Then, Xu Yuehuai began to cook. Using bamboo shoots as a base, she simmered a pot of delicious soup. The clear broth resembled a babbling brook in spring, bringing a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Next, she gently tore the petals of the summer lotus into pieces and sprinkled them into the soup, adding a refreshing aroma that made one feel as if they were in a summer breeze.
Then, she sliced the autumn fruits into thin slices, put them in a pot to steam, and let the fruits fully absorb the deliciousness of the broth.
Those fruits seemed like a gift from nature, and every bite was filled with the joy of autumn's harvest.
Finally, she took out a winter cabbage, carefully carved it into a blooming flower, and gently placed it into the soup, symbolizing the tranquility and beauty of winter.
After careful preparation, "The Cycle of the Four Seasons" was finally presented to everyone.
The broth was clear and transparent, like spring water; the petals were light and graceful, like a summer breeze; the fruit was fresh and delicious, symbolizing the sweet harvest of autumn; and the cabbage blossoms were like winter snowflakes, pure white and enchanting. The whole dish was like a painting of the changing seasons, allowing one to experience the charm of nature while enjoying the delicious food.
The three scholars stepped forward to taste the food, their faces showing delight. They savored each bite, experiencing the changing seasons within, as if they were in a beautiful, dreamlike world of the cycle of seasons.
One of the scholars exclaimed, "This dish is truly exquisite! Every bite evokes the flavors of a different season, as if transporting one through all four seasons. The Queen's culinary skills are truly superb and admirable."
Another scholar chimed in, "That's right. This 'Four Seasons Cycle' dish not only tastes amazing, but it also carries a profound meaning. The princess has truly put a lot of thought into it, incorporating the beauty of the four seasons into a single dish."
The last scholar nodded in agreement: "This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also allows us to experience the beauty of the four seasons. The princess's culinary skills are truly well-deserved; it is indeed a treasure of the Great Zhou Kingdom."
The three scholars unanimously chose Xu Yuehuai's "Four Seasons Cycle," and Xu Yuehuai won again.
"Your Highness! Your Highness! Our Great Zhou's Princess has won again!"
"How can the people of the Dark Moon Kingdom compare to our Queen?"
"You lost. If the people from the Dark Moon Kingdom aren't good enough, they shouldn't have gone on stage!"
"Get down here now, you bastards from the Dark Moon Kingdom!"
Everyone present stood up and applauded, cheering for her superb culinary skills.
The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom felt angry upon hearing those words, but he had no choice but to swallow his anger.
"You did very well, you won again this time."
Xu Yuehuai smiled and replied, "Thank you for the compliment. Actually, everyone has their own unique cooking skills and style. As long as you put your heart into it, you can make delicious dishes." Her words were full of humility and confidence, making people fall in love with her charm.
"Although you won the first two rounds, I still want to compete with you. I wonder if you are willing to compete in the third round?" The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom raised his chin, his eyes showing some contempt.
"Of course we'll compete. We agreed on three rounds, and missing even one round doesn't count." Xu Yuehuai wasn't thinking of skipping the third round, after all, it was a great opportunity to advertise for Tianxianglou.
If it's a best-of-three series, won't Tianxianglou be overrun with people from the entire capital and even the four kingdoms?
"Good, that's great! But if I win the third round, won't I have won the hearts of all you people in the capital?" The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom looked at the crowd of onlookers.
After all, the questions in this final round are set by the onlookers. If he wins their hearts, it seems he's even more impressive than they were with the previous two questions.
"Sure, but I don't think you'll have that chance," Xu Yuehuai said, head held high and full of confidence.
"Hahahaha! Queen Consort of the Great Zhou Kingdom, you certainly have a big mouth. Let's have a good competition then." The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom rolled up his sleeves even higher, patted the cutting board in the makeshift kitchen, and ordered his attendants to clear away anything he didn't need.
"Please help us think of the question for this third one," Xu Yuehuai said politely, bowing to the surrounding crowd.
"Yes, Your Highness, we will definitely come up with a particularly difficult topic."
So what should we choose?
"What aspects of these dishes are relevant and challenging?"
The onlookers pondered for a long time, as if an eternity had passed.
Next up was the third round of competition, and to make it more interesting, the surrounding crowd chose a very challenging theme – Delicious Food.
"This delicacy is so exquisite that it will surely amaze everyone. Your Highness, and the brave warriors of the Underworld Moon Kingdom, you two should think it over carefully."
This topic is both broad and challenging, requiring chefs to fully utilize their imagination and creativity.
"Very good, this is a very good topic, thank you all for your hard work."
After a moment's thought, Xu Yuehuai decided to cook a delicious fish dish that was full of sour, sweet, bitter and spicy flavors.
She selected a fresh carp, sliced it, and marinated it with a special seasoning.
During the marinating process, she skillfully incorporated four flavors: sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy, allowing the fish to fully absorb these flavors.
Next, she fried the fish fillets in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then drizzled them with a special sauce.
A delicious fish dish, with its perfect color, aroma, and taste, was presented to everyone. Its golden color and enticing fragrance made people's mouths water.
The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom chose his specialty: roasted lamb leg. He selected a plump lamb leg, marinated it with special spices, and then slowly roasted it over charcoal.
After a long roasting process, the lamb leg turns golden brown and crispy, with an irresistible aroma that makes your mouth water.
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